In a deeply heartfelt message for his prayer intention this November, Pope Francis calls upon the faithful to remember and support parents who mourn the tragic loss of a son or daughter. Acknowledging the profound and often indescribable grief such parents endure, Pope prays that they may find comfort and peace within their communities, guided by the Spirit of Consolation.

Reflecting on the difficulty of consoling those who have suffered such a loss, Pope Francis shares that “there are no words” capable of truly comforting parents who have lost a child. He observes that, while language provides terms for those who have lost spouses or parents, there exists no single word to define a parent who has lost a child—revealing the unique depth of this sorrow.

Often, even well-meaning words or gestures of consolation may feel inadequate. “They can end up aggravating the wound,” Pope Francis notes, despite their best intentions. Pope emphasizes that genuine comfort arises not from spoken words alone but from an empathetic and compassionate presence.

“To offer comfort to these parents who have lost a child, we need to listen to them, to be close to them with love, to care responsibly for the pain they feel,” he says, encouraging us to follow the example of Christ, who consoled the afflicted with tenderness and understanding. By being present and offering silent solidarity, the faithful can embody the compassion of Jesus in the lives of those who are suffering.

For parents sustained by faith, Pope Francis suggests that sharing grief with others who have endured similar losses can bring additional solace, creating a space where hope can be rekindled. This shared journey allows grieving parents to find support and eventually “be reborn in hope.”

This month, Pope Francis’ prayer resonates as a call to all Christians to support those who mourn the loss of a child. He prays that bereaved parents may find strength and comfort in their communities, as well as peace of heart from the Spirit of Consolation.